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Nonprofits are looking toward franchises as part of "social franchising," a new trend that encourages nonprofits to raise funds and opportunities by acquiring and operating franchises. For select nonprofits, Ben & Jerry's will waive fees and royalties, benefiting both the franchise and nonprofit.

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When his employer, Delphi Corp., filed for bankruptcy, Bernie Howard switched gears and opened a BrightStar Healthcare franchise. As the economy continues to lose jobs, thousands of people like him are opening franchises. "When you buy a franchise, you are buying a proven system, marketing and advertising that you don't get when you are starting out on your own," the International Franchise Association's Alisa Harrison said.

A Pennsylvania Ben & Jerry's franchise is one of 12 locations training young adults with disabilities for the workplace. "What we see is that an ice cream store is an ideal training ground for young people," said Jennifer Shewmake, a Ben & Jerry's community program manager.

City franchise locations often have trouble with being issued fines and securing permits, prompting franchisors to question whether cities actually want their business. But franchising is lucrative for the economy, with chain stores generating $2.3 trillion every year, according to the International Franchise Association. Franchise industry executives last week encouraged attendees at the annual Conference of Mayors to eliminate regulatory hassles for franchises.

The West Coast Franchise Expo, which is sponsored by the International Franchise Association, will feature more than 150 franchise exhibits, as well as sessions and seminars to give people interested in franchises the opportunity to educate themselves and conduct research. The expo will showcase a variety of different kinds of franchises, ranging from restaurants to childcare to gyms. "It's a good jumping off point and the right place to learn about franchises," an IFA representative said of the expo.

Cold Stone Creamery was going strong, boasting 1,400 stores and $500 million in sales, before it merged with Kahala in May, writes Fred Minnick. There are now 13 brands under the Kahala Cold Stone umbrella, including Blimpie, the Great Steak & Potato Co. and Taco Time, and CEO Doug Ducey said an initial public offering is a "realistic option ... that we'll explore in the future."